DOJ hopes to finish evaluation of missing ‘sabungeros’ case soon

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

Remulla added that whether whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan will be admitted as a government witness will be known if a case actually lands in court. (File Photo: Boying Remulla/Facebook)

MANILA – Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said prosecutors’ initial evaluation of the case the missing “sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts) may be completed soon and could proceed to a formal preliminary investigation if warranted by evidence gathered so far.

“Sana. Hopefully matapos na rin. ‘Yung 10 days na ‘yun (We hope. Hopefully it can be finished. Those 10 days), it can be extended. But it’s better off that we finish it, ‘ika nga, habang mainit pa ay ilabas na (it can be released, as they say, while it is still hot) ,” Remulla said in an interview with reporters.

“Ine-evaluate ngayon, tapos mag-pi PI na yan after that. Papadalhan na ng subpoena para sa mga mananagot at dapat sumagot (The case is still being evaluated and after that it will be a preliminary investigation, Subpoenas will be sent out to those concerned),” he added.

Remulla added that whether whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan will be admitted as a government witness will be known if a case actually lands in court.

Patidongan claimed that a shadowy group of influential business people directed the deaths of the “sabungeros” and dumped their remains in Taal Lake in Batangas province.

Incomplete skeletal fragments have since been recovered and are undergoing forensic examination.

Remulla said the testimony of Patidongan’s brothers, Jose and Elakim, may also prove invaluable.

The two supposedly fled out of the country to escape the investigation and was caught in security camera footage using the bank cards of one of the missing.

Remulla said Jose Patidongan, who has been charged in a separate unrelated case and has already been sentenced.

“Pero ang mahalaga dito ay si Elakim already has a statement at mayroon na din si Dondon. Based on the two, matibay tibay na ‘yung kaso. Pero malaki parin matutulong ni Jose sa bagay na ito. Kaya we are still working out many things para makapagbigay siya ng testimonya dito (But what is important is the Elakim who already has a statement, as well as Dondon. Based on the two, the case is quite strong. But Jose’s help is still big. That’s why we are working out many things so that he can give a testimony),” he added.